Antarctica – Not Exactly as Planned

Antarctica is one of the last wild places on earth. And this past week, it’s really lived up to its name.

The ice-strengthened, Russian-flagged MV Akademik Shokalskiy set sail in early December on a expedition to Antarctica. Carrying tourists and research scientists on their way to study the effects of global warming, the ship became stuck in the ice flow on Christmas morning. The passengers are in no danger, and in fact are seemingly enjoying the unique event. Passengers said it wasn’t a bad place to be stuck; the scenery is beautiful and penguins have been walking up to the ship and sniffing around, checking out their new neighbors.

Since becoming stuck, three other icebreakers have come to attempt a rescue. In each instance, the rescue ship turn away, fearing it too would become stuck. The latest plan is to air lift passengers via helicopter to nearby rescue ships, while the captain and crew would stay with the ship.